Understand how Acupuncture therapy can ease your Sinusitis

Sinus, are the hollow spaces within the skull bone. It is because of these hollow spaces that we do not feel the actual weight of the brain and skull in entirety. These hollow spaces secrete mucus that keep the nose (nostrils) moist. This moisture forms the protective layer. A healthy sinus is otherwise hollow filled with air.

Sinusitis (sinus+itis) is the inflammation of these hollow spaces which results in excessive mucus production that fills within the sinus and blocks the air circulation.

 What are the symptoms of Sinusitis?

• Blocked or stuffed nose with or without running nose
• Breathing difficulty
• Heaviness in the face and head
• Headache especially experienced in the frontal part or the forehead
• Tenderness and pain in and around nose, forehead, cheeks, ears
• Red/ watery/ swollen eyes
• Fever/ feverish feeling
• Body pain
• Mucus discharge from the nose

What are the causes and risk factors of Sinusitis?

• Infections or the upper respiratory tract
• Repeated exposure to cold weather and cold wind
• Allergies
• Excessive intake of cold food
• Nasal polyps
• Deviated Nasal Septum?
• Medical conditions that result in immune compromise.
• Smoking
• Stress induced inflammation and immune-suppression

How to manage sinusitis?

Prevention is always the best cure and therefore we should focus on health so that our health takes care of the diseases that we might encounter in the journey of life.  Intake of natural, local, seasonal foods, breathing fresh air, sun exposure, adequate water intake, yoga and other exercises, sound sleep, effective stress management are important practices that enhances health and therefore aids prevention of sinusitis.

Along with lifestyle management, certain therapies are also very effective and supportive in preventing and managing Sinusitis. One such therapy is Acupuncture.

Role of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional system of medicine that provides the body and mind an opportunity and support to heal from within by following ways: -

• Anti-inflammatory- Acupuncture brings down the inflammation in the sinus. With inflammation going down, pain and swelling reduces.
• De-congestive- Acupuncture along with moxibustion drains the accumulated mucus and also brings down the production of the mucus in the sinuses. With this, the heaviness in the face and head comes down and the breathing becomes easier and comfortable.

• Improves circulation- With Acupuncture, circulation to the local area improves. This improves nutrition and drainage to the para nasal sinuses. With improved nourishment, the infections can be effectively managed.
• Rejuvenation- Acupuncture harmonises the energy and therefore takes care of the fatigue and body pain that is experienced during Sinusitis.  
• Relaxation - Acupuncture is a promising method in relaxing the mind. When the mind is relaxed, the stressors are managed effectively.
• Immune enhancing - Acupuncture therapy is proven beyond doubt to enhance immunity of the body and therefore can tackle infections and allergies effectively.

Sinusitis affects the quality of life and has multiple risk factors that can complicate the condition. Therefore, our approach for healing must always be natural and holistic in nature to effectively prevent and manage the condition. And Acupuncture therapy is one such!

Dr. Deepashree S, BNYS, (MSCCFT) - Consultant, Anandamaya Wellness Center